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Shapes
Stunning photographs by a National Geographic photographer invite children to look around and find a world of circles, triangles, squares, and much more.
Beautifully photographed, a diverse group of children explore the unexpected shapes of everyday sights and objects. "Eggs, grapes, lemons and leaves. Jellybeans, seeds, sunglasses, and balloons." They're all ovals!
Shelley Rotner, an accomplished photographer and a former kindergarten teacher, gently challenges children to think creatively about shapes in real life. The lyrical text provides much for readers to consider as they find circles in the sky (the moon, the sun), squares in the playground (hopscotch), and more.
A companion book to Rotner's acclaimed Colors, which received a starred review from Kirkus Reviews for it's "crisp, glowing, and crystal clear" photographs.
Beautifully photographed, a diverse group of children explore the unexpected shapes of everyday sights and objects. "Eggs, grapes, lemons and leaves. Jellybeans, seeds, sunglasses, and balloons." They're all ovals!
Shelley Rotner, an accomplished photographer and a former kindergarten teacher, gently challenges children to think creatively about shapes in real life. The lyrical text provides much for readers to consider as they find circles in the sky (the moon, the sun), squares in the playground (hopscotch), and more.
A companion book to Rotner's acclaimed Colors, which received a starred review from Kirkus Reviews for it's "crisp, glowing, and crystal clear" photographs.
32 pages, Hardcover
Published July 28, 2020
1 person is currently reading
13 people want to read
About the author
Shelley Rotner
94 books23 followersWhen I was five, I refused to go to kindergarten. I declared it was for babies. I already knew how to read, but what really bothered me the most was that the kids mixed up the paintbrushes and colors at the easel so there was never true blue, red, yellow or green. Every time my teacher turned her back, I left the room and headed to the first grade class diagonally across the hall. Luckily, I had a friend there who happily shared her desk with me until the teacher noticed and sent me back to kindergarten. After many successful escapes, a trip to the principal and some testing, I was officially moved to that first grade class with beautiful autumn leaves painted on the door.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
August 27, 2024
This is a very, very general introduction to shapes of different kinds.
To be honest, I find this book pretty annoying. Because mostly this is a picture book, with excellent photographs.
However, the book skimps on text. And context. And concepts.
Too many people today act like lookers, not readers. Really we can be both.
Insta and similar photo-rich platforms encourage adults to stop talking, not bother to read, and content themselves with drooling over pictures.
RATING THIS BOOK
My policy is to rate books in terms of the intended readership. Clearly, this book is for the many people who find that seeing is believing. And a picture is worth a thousand words.
So, reluctantly, I'll give this book FIVE STARS.
But unless picture lovers learn how to become readers and talkers, people who enjoy learning about concepts rather than mainly being entertained by visuals -- guess what? These kids are going to stunt their intellectual growth.
Parents and caregivers, please supplement this book with some lively conversation. Help your children to learn concepts, not merely collect imagery.
To be honest, I find this book pretty annoying. Because mostly this is a picture book, with excellent photographs.
However, the book skimps on text. And context. And concepts.
Too many people today act like lookers, not readers. Really we can be both.
Insta and similar photo-rich platforms encourage adults to stop talking, not bother to read, and content themselves with drooling over pictures.
RATING THIS BOOK
My policy is to rate books in terms of the intended readership. Clearly, this book is for the many people who find that seeing is believing. And a picture is worth a thousand words.
So, reluctantly, I'll give this book FIVE STARS.
But unless picture lovers learn how to become readers and talkers, people who enjoy learning about concepts rather than mainly being entertained by visuals -- guess what? These kids are going to stunt their intellectual growth.
Parents and caregivers, please supplement this book with some lively conversation. Help your children to learn concepts, not merely collect imagery.
February 5, 2021
So many shapes!
I really enjoyed this shape book. I liked that it included some information at the beginning about the importance of learning shapes - "Some studies suggest that seeing different shapes might help children see the different shapes of letters and numbers." We use this as an early literacy tip for parents. I also like that it encourages little ones and their parents to look for naturally occurring shapes. This would pair nicely with Shape Up Construction Trucks! by Victoria Allenby.
I really enjoyed this shape book. I liked that it included some information at the beginning about the importance of learning shapes - "Some studies suggest that seeing different shapes might help children see the different shapes of letters and numbers." We use this as an early literacy tip for parents. I also like that it encourages little ones and their parents to look for naturally occurring shapes. This would pair nicely with Shape Up Construction Trucks! by Victoria Allenby.
March 25, 2021
An outstanding preschool concept picture book focused on shapes. After each shape is introduced, everyday objects are shown as examples on the following two-page spread. With colorful close-up photographs and minimum text, this is an excellent book to introduce shapes.
January 13, 2021
I love the gorgeous photographs and the simplicity in this shapes concept book. I can't wait to use this in a storytime. It's perfect for toddlers and preschoolers.
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August 28, 2023n/a. 10/01/20 Video
March 18, 2024
Useful for any preschool or elementary school.
May 6, 2024
A wide range of objects organized by shape.
Great photographs.
Great photographs.
November 3, 2025
Toddler, preschool, and school-age
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews